Kazuyo Sejima

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Lore & Background

Sejima was born on 29 October 1956 in Mito, Ibaraki, Japan. Her mother, although not employed, was highly educated; her father was a welding engineer. She graduated from Japan Women's University in 1979, then completed a master's degree course in architecture in 1981. That same year, she began working with the architecture firm Toyo Ito and Associates until 1987. After apprenticing with Toyo Ito, Sejima established Kazuyo Sejima & Associates in 1987. One of her first hires was Ryue Nishizawa, a student who had worked with Sejima at Toyo Ito and Associates. After working for Sejima for several years, Sejima asked him to form a partnership. In 1995, the two founded the Tokyo-based firm SANAA (Sejima and Nishizawa and Associates). In 2010, Sejima was appointed director of architecture sector for the Venice Biennale, which she curated for the 12th Annual International Architecture Exhibition. She was the first woman ever selected for this position. In 2010, she was awarded the Pritzker Prize, together with Ryue Nishizawa.

Reader's Guide

Kazuyo Sejima's significance lies in her role as a leading contemporary architect and a pioneer for women in the field. As co-founder of SANAA, she produced major works such as the 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art in Kanazawa (1999–2004), the New Museum of Contemporary Art in New York (2003–2007), and the Rolex Learning Center at EPFL in Switzerland (2005–2009). Her practice emphasizes transparency, lightness, and fluid spaces. Sejima's recognition with the Pritzker Prize in 2010, only the second woman to receive it, marked a milestone for gender equality in architecture. Her appointment as the first female director of the architecture sector at the Venice Biennale further underscores her influence. She continues to shape architectural discourse through her firm and SANAA.

Did You Know?

• Sejima was the second woman to receive the Pritzker Prize, awarded jointly with Ryue Nishizawa in 2010.
• She was the first woman ever selected as director of the architecture sector for the Venice Biennale, curating the 12th Annual International Architecture Exhibition in 2010.
• Sejima graduated from Japan Women's University in 1979 and completed a master's degree in architecture in 1981.
• She worked at Toyo Ito and Associates from 1981 to 1987 before establishing her own firm.
• In 2022, Sejima received the Praemium Imperiale award for architecture.